Monday, January 13, 2014

Eusebio, 'The Black Pearl', from Mozambique.Along with Christiano Ronaldo the best player ever to represent Portugal. Named by FIFA as one of the 10 best players ever. He mesmerized me when I was 15 years old. Athletic, strong and an all round good man. There's a statue of him outside Benfica's Stadium of Light. Admirers congregated all night there to celebrate his life. He gave me a signed shirt last year. I treasure it.

Norman Ellis, gifted teacher, terrific club Rugby and Cricket man, a mentor sans pareil (to me and many others), a husband, father and friend passed on January 5 at 3:30pm.

Norman picked me up off my backside when I was 16, gave me the responsibility of captaining his Vale of Lune colts side, encouraged me to go for greatness - and never give up, picked me for his beloved Lancaster Cricket 1st XI and helped me financially when I couldn't cope.